MATCH REPORT - SAT 18 FEBRUARY

UPTON WILDCATS 1 - 16 ROCKETS

Today was a game of two halves - or even four quarters and in truth a victory of 16-1 does not reflect the real story which was about a rampant Waverton team going away to Upton and playing on a pitch the size of a postage stamp which was more suitable to 4-a-side not 7-a-side but in the end succumbing to the realisation that when we play as a team and pass the ball we destroy the opposition.

For the first two quarters we laboured on the small bumpy pitch and after eventually taking the lead, couldn't believe it when Upton equalised! However a lovely move direct from the kickoff (one of our best goals of the season) saw George sweep the ball in and from that point Waverton stepped things up taking a 4-1 lead at the half way point.

From then on class, power, ability and sheer willpower took over as the boys did their job and overwhelmed the opposition.

In fairness to Upton they have improved greatly since our last meeting but even with several boys missing the last 25 minutes showed why Waverton have that 100% record in the Shield and that was against a goalkeeper who at times performed miracles.

The 16 goals came from Rory (4), George (4), Zac (3), Alex (2), Harry (2) and Wills (1).

Man of the Match was George who as well as 4 well taken goals always looked for the pass which invariably caused trouble to the opposition.

MATCH REPORT - SAT 11 FEBRUARY

MALPAS BLACKS 3 - 4 ROCKETS

The boys showed the 'great character' of a Brendan Rogers team to win their Shield group with two games to spare. 8 wins and 24 points means we will play in the semi-final against the runner up from the other group - probably Tarvin.

The game today was really enjoyable as it was the first time since Vicars Cross that we've played a team of similar ability. Good opposition and the fact the pitch was long, narrow and on the side of a mountain further evened up the match.

In the first two quarters we had three or four chances but a combination of great goalkeeping and us not hitting the target meant the match was even after 25 minutes.

Rory broke the deadlock early in the 3rd quarter as he went through on goal, turned the defender and keeper and slotted to an empty net. It was a deserved goal and we looked pretty comfortable at this stage.

In the final quarter all hell broke loose as firstly Malpas drew level and then went 2-1 up as the boys started the quarter fast asleep!

Bailey then equalised from long-distance before Rory scored two more break away goals with brilliant finishes to make is 2-4 to the Rockets. Malpas weren't done yet and they scored late on to set-up a grand stand finish which the boys saw out with some solid clearances and defending from Fin in particular.

MOTM went to Rory who scored a hat-trick but also showed that letting the ball run, making the simple pass and finding space is what its all about. William set the tone in defence in the first periods with some great tackles and getting in front of the attackers. Fin also caught the eye today with some typically combative play when we needed to be strong.

Well done boys. Semi-finals here we come!   

MATCH REPORT - SAT 4 FEBRUARY

ELLESMERE PORT RANGERS 0 - 8 ROCKETS

The result doesn't tell the full story today...but it does all but ensure our place in the Shield semi-final.

Playing on a tiny pitch really threw the lads in the first two quarters but Xander and Bailey got us out of jail both hitting screamers into the top corners at the end of each quarter. During the 2nd quarter we were hanging on at times and the post came to our rescue three times!

Going into the 3rd and 4th quarters the boys began to settle but it took a brilliant save from Hugo, clawing one out the top corner, to wake the lads up! From there on we started to pass and move and played really well.

Xander scored a contender for goal of the season with some 'FIFA 17' tricks and footwork before chipping the keeper from the touch-line. Austin finished a brilliant bit of play created by Rory, who turned the defender inside out before crossing. Wills grabbed a deserved goal and George scored a final quarter hat-trick with the last kick of the game to cost his dad some extra pocket money!

Overall the result flattered us slightly but there is no doubt that our boys carry a great deal of fire-power across the midfield and up front. The defenders of William, Charlie and Alex plus Fin who can get up and down laid the platform for the win and got us through some difficult moments today.

Certainly if we can keep goals conceded down as we have done in this competition (53 goals scored and conceded just 2 !!) then we've a good chance to win games with our power up top.

MOTM was shared across all the boys today and Hugo will Captain us versus Malpas.

Well done lads.